The exact origins of mandeism are unknown. It is mainly practiced in Iraq and Iran. There is an active priesthood that requires extensive training and a 7 day initiation period. Their temple is a Mandi, an small open-ended building with a pool for baptism. Their scriptures include the Ginza, or prayerbook, and the Book of John the Baptist. They follow purtiy laws similar to those in Judaism, and men are required to wear turbans. Mandeans follow a complex system of morals, but the main prohibitions are: blasphemy, murder, adultery, theft, lying and perjury, being disloyal, lust, magic, circumcision, drinking alcohol, charging interest, mourning the dead, divorce, suicide, and self-mutilation (including tattoos and piercing).

 

Important holidays include the Mandean New year, and the Dehwa Hnina. The Mandean calender has 12 months of 30 days each, intercalary days make up the difference, and are the time of the greatest mandean feast, the Panja. Mandeans follow the teachings of John the Baptist, and practice weekly baptism as a sacrement. Followers reject Jesus as a false prophet, who mislead people and revealed religious secrets, and indentify Mohammed as a demon.